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Prepare and Amend Master Deeds and By-Laws

Master Deed and Bylaws for Condominiums

Do you need a Master Deed and Bylaws for your condo in Cape May, North Wildwood, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, Avalon, Stone Harbor, Sea Isle City or Ocean City? A condominium development starts as a single property owned by the developer and transitions at some point to a collection of individual properties—the specific units. Even then, (1) the fundamental description and character of the overall property remains important to the rights of the unit owners, and (2) since the unit owners have a common right to the areas of the property that are not individually owned (the grounds, hallways, drives, recreational buildings, etc.), a set of basic rules setting out the respective rights and obligations of the common owners is required to keep the peace among the numerous common owners.

This character of property raises the need for two basic documents that do not exist in the usual real estate context: master deeds and condominium association bylaws. These documents, required by law, form the foundation of how the condominium association and the association’s board will govern. The better the job done crafting these documents, the more smoothly life is likely to go for everyone involved.

The Master Deed

While the bylaws are the better known instrument, it’s the master deed that describes the condominium property and sets the most basic rules in place.
The contents of the master deed are specified in New Jersey’s Condominium Act:

A basic statement that the land described is governed by the terms of the Condominium Act

The property’s name for the future (must include the word condominium)

A description of the land, and a certified survey showing all units and common areas in their respective locations, stating approximate dimensions, and identifying each unit by number or letter

The bylaws and voting rights of unit owners

A description of the common areas

Each unit’s interest in the common areas (stated as percentages, which must sum to 100%)

How, and in what proportion, common expenses and common surpluses are to be shared

How the master deed can be amended, along with a requirement that amendments be filed in the same office as the original master deed to be effective

The condominium association’s name and nature and, if not a corporation, the name and address (within New Jersey) of the agent designated to receive service of process

The Condominium Act also allows any other provision that is consistent with the terms of the law, and gives examples such as restrictions on use or transfer of any unit, or on the use of the common areas.

The Bylaws

As with bylaws of any organization, the condominium association bylaws govern how the association, and its board, will operate. The Condominium Act allows the bylaws to contain any lawful provision, and specifically requires several, including information about the form of the association, its officers, and the like. If the association’s governance will be performed by a board, the Act requires that the bylaws provide for open meetings of that board with enumerated exceptions. Other provisions that must be in the bylaws are:

How meetings of unit owners will be called and the rules for quorums and approvals

How respective shares of expenses and surplus will be collected from or distributed to unit owners

How the bylaws may be amended, along with a requirement that amendments be filed in the same office as the existing bylaws in order to be effective

The Act specifies several provisions that may be included if desired, such as provisions for waiving notice of meetings, allowing actions to be taken by written agreement rather than meetings, a method for creating and enforcing reasonable rules, and regulations, which may include fines and late fees.

Legal Assistance in Drafting Your Master Deed and Bylaws

The provisions of the master deed and bylaws set the stage for how the condominium community will function. Omitting a required provision or drafting an unclear provision is an invitation to future problems. Experience is your best protection. For the help you need in Cape May and Atlantic Counties, call the offices of Barnes Law Group, LLC, for an appointment today. With 20 years experience in New Jersey real estate law, we make sure we understand your needs before ever putting pen to paper. We have offices located in North Wildwood and Egg Harbor Township for your convenience.